Is Dramatic Changes insured?
Yes, we carry $2,000,000 in General Liability Insurance that protects against damage to your property and Worker’s Compensation Insurance that covers those working on your home.
Is Dramatic Changes licensed?
Yes we have a Virginia Class B General Contractors license (#2705104416).
What does Dramatic Changes do to protect my home or business?
We take the time to protect all areas of your home that we are painting. Inside, we use either canvas drop cloths or plastic sheeting to cover floors, furniture and other valuables. Outside, we cover the ground, bushes and other areas that are not to be painted with canvas drop clothes. When pressure washing decks and homes we will water down the grass and plants and bushes to minimize any impact from the house cleaning chemicals that we use.
How can I be sure that I will get my painting done the way I want it?
When hiring a contractor, the best protection for every homeowner is a full written contract. The state of Virginia requires all contractors to provide a contract to all customers that contain certain key pieces of information. This is for good reason. Many problems and complaints arise out of work being done by contractors without a written contract or an incomplete contract. We provide every customer with a full written contract.
Can Dramatic Changes match an old paint color?
All of our suppliers can very closely match most old paint colors. This can enable us to give you the color that you really want; however it does not mean that we will be able to cover your old color in just one coat.
To effectively change the color and provide the finish you desire, we recommend two coats.
What type of paint does Dramatic Changes use?
We primarily purchase paint from Benjamin Moore, Duron Paint and Wallcoverings and Sherwin Williams. For interior painting (standard latex applications), we typically use Benjamin Moore Regal, Benjamin Moore SuperSpec, Duron Signature Select or Duron PlasticKote. For exterior painting (standard latex applications), we typically use Duron Signature Lifetime, Duron Weathershield, Benjamin Moore Moorglo or Benjamin Moore Moorguard. For exterior staining projects (i.e. decks, siding), we typically recommend Cabot Stains (available in a variety of types and colors).
What is the best finish (sheen) for my ceilings, walls and trim?
We always recommend semi-gloss or gloss for interior wood trim because it is durable and cleans easily. Ceilings are generally painted with flat paint because they are easy to touch up and blemishes are not as visible. Walls are a matter of personal preference. Flat paint is easy to touch up without it being too obvious and tend to hide blemishes in the surface better. On the other hand flat paint is not as durable and most contact with flat walls will leave a mark. Satin or Eggshell finishes are more durable, washable and less likely to mark; however it can have a tendency to enhance surface blemishes and is not easily touched up. You need to weigh the pros and cons of each and decide what is most important for your project.
How many coats of paint are recommended?
We quote 2 coats of paint for the walls on all interior painting (unless we are painting an exact match with the same finish). This ensures a quality finish and minimizes the possibility of unexpected costs. If another contractor is not specifying two coats, be sure to get a quote ahead of time regarding the cost if a second coat is required. For exterior painting, most projects can be completed by priming problem areas and one full coat of paint. There are some projects that require a full prime and one top coat of paint (this will be specified in your contract).
What does full surface preparation mean?
For basic interior painting; we will patch, sand and seal minor wall blemishes, re-caulk areas where caulking has cracked. If you project has more specific requirements, we can get more specific about how we will complete your work.
For basic exterior painting: we will first pressure wash the areas to be painted, and then scrape, sand, caulk, repair glazing and spot prime as needed.
